What is the Meaning of When in Rome?

When in Rome means you should adopt the customs and practices of the place you are visiting. The proverb is an abbreviation of the longer expression When in Rome, do as the Romans do. But you can just say the first part and people will still understand, nod knowingly, and deem you a person of learning and culture. 

Much like the modern meaning of Carpe Diem, When in Rome gives license to let go and indulge. It justifies that extra glass of prosecco, that extra scoop of gelato, that sugar with your morning cappuccino, and a limoncello with your evening tiramisù.

What are the origins of When in Rome?

Saint Ambrose is credited with first uttering the expression, and his words were preserved by his more famous pen pal, the Christian philosopher Saint Augustine, around the end of the fourth century AD.  

Because Saint Ambrose was the Bishop of Milan, and his pen pal Saint Augustine was the Bishop of Hippo in North Africa, they communicated and corresponded in Latin. The advice attributed to Saint Ambrose was therefore not When in Rome but ‘Romanum venio, ieiuno Sabbato; hic sum, non ieiuno: sic etiam tu, ad quam forte ecclesiam veneris, eius morem serva, si cuiquam non vis esse scandalum nec quemquam tibi.’ 

Got that all saved to memory?

Smashing. So next time you're visiting the Italian capital and overhear someone say When in Rome, you can start spitting some Ecclesiastical Latin and basking in the glory as the Romans embrace you as one of their own.

When translated into English Saint Ambrose’s advice reads something like: ‘When I go to Rome, I fast on Saturday, yet here I don’t. Don’t you also follow the custom of whatever church you are attending to avoid creating or receiving scandal?’

For nearly 1,400 years, the phrase When in Rome disappeared from history. Maybe nobody dared utter it. Perhaps it was considered a curse. More likely it was merely lost in the literary record. Then the saying resurfaced in 1777 — cool as you like as if nothing had happened — in the Letters of Pope Clement XIV. 

This time it took on a more familiar form (albeit still in Latin): ‘The siesta, or Italian afternoon nap, would not have alarmed you so much my most reverend Father, if you had recollected that when we are at Rome, we should do as the Romans do (cum romano, romanus eris).

How to use When in Rome

Use it sparingly and for effect, especially when you’re actually in Rome. Otherwise it becomes this kind of YOLO refrain that just sets everyone else off around you - clinking their spritz glasses and repeating When in Rome until nothing means anything anymore.

Instead, use When in Rome to encourage you and your fellow travellers to take risks and venture out of your comfort zones.

Dining in a traditional Roman restaurant? Give the coda alla vaccinara (ox-tail stew) or trippa alla romana (Roman-style tripe) a go. Sure, you might hate it - but nothing ventured nothing gained, right? And, just between us, they're both absolutely delicious.

Visiting the beach but forgotten your swimming shorts? Then treat yourself to a pair of speedos (with the Italian flag if possible) and burn the image into the retinas of friends and families as a kind of long-lasting, visually scarring souvenir.

Want to explore Rome's nightlife and sip on some traditional drinks? Try out our Tipsy Tour with other like-minded travellers and enjoy a crash course in Italian culture with a group of friendly local experts.

Our Philosophy

Embracing Roman culture is at the core of what we do—that’s why we call ourselves Carpe Diem! All our tours are designed with When in Rome in mind, meaning we strive to bring you the most authentic Roman experience possible.

For you, that might mean indulging in Italian street food on a food tour of the places the locals keep to themselves. Maybe you’re a culture vulture looking to immerse yourself in world-famous attractions like the Colosseum and the Vatican. Or perhaps your idea of Italian heaven is getting creative with Italian cuisine yourself in a hands-on cooking class.

Whatever your passion, make sure to look us up when in Rome and do as the Romans do!